“Done Me Wrong All Right” by Sweet: A Raw, Unapologetic Blast of Early Glam Energy
Before Sweet became synonymous with shimmering harmonies and glitter-drenched anthems, they were a rough-and-ready rock band, still finding their sound but already brimming with attitude. “Done Me Wrong All Right”, a deep cut from their 1971 debut album Funny How Sweet Co-Co Can Be, is a perfect snapshot of the band in transition—straddling the line between their early bubblegum pop singles and the hard-hitting glam rock that would soon define them.
Though never released as a single, “Done Me Wrong All Right” remains one of Sweet’s most compelling early tracks, a raw and riff-heavy rocker that hinted at the band’s heavier ambitions. While much of their early material was shaped by the songwriting team of Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman, this song saw Sweet flexing their own creative muscles, delivering a sound that was closer to the swaggering rock of Led Zeppelin and Slade than the polished, radio-friendly hits they were initially known for.
A Hard-Edged Departure from Bubblegum Pop
By the time “Done Me Wrong All Right” appeared on their debut album, Sweet had already scored a series of lighthearted pop hits like “Funny Funny” and “Co-Co”, tracks that gave them chart success but didn’t fully reflect their true identity. The band’s frustration with their early image was well-documented, and on songs like “Done Me Wrong All Right”, you can hear them rebelling against the manufactured pop sound imposed upon them.
This track is an explosion of raw energy, built on Andy Scott’s blistering guitar riffs and Mick Tucker’s powerful, no-frills drumming. Steve Priest’s bass thunders beneath it all, while Brian Connolly’s vocals are packed with sneering attitude—equal parts defiant and vengeful, as if he’s taking aim at anyone who ever underestimated the band.
The song’s lyrics, simple yet effective, carry a sense of betrayal and frustration. The repeated title phrase acts as a snarling refrain, making it clear that whoever has wronged the narrator is going to regret it. It’s a far cry from the sugary love songs Sweet had been releasing as singles—this was an early glimpse of the harder, edgier band that would emerge on later albums like Desolation Boulevard.
Musical Power and Influences
While still rooted in early ’70s rock traditions, “Done Me Wrong All Right” showcases the elements that would later make Sweet one of the pioneers of glam rock. The pounding rhythm section, the aggressive guitar work, and Connolly’s commanding vocal delivery all point to the band’s future as a powerhouse act capable of delivering heavy, riff-driven rock.
The track carries the influence of blues-based hard rock, with hints of The Who, The Yardbirds, and Deep Purple, but Sweet injects their own brand of intensity, giving the song a glam-tinged ferocity that sets it apart. The band would refine this sound in the coming years, leading to classics like “Ballroom Blitz”, “Fox on the Run”, and “Action”, but “Done Me Wrong All Right” was an early sign that they weren’t content to be just another pop act.
Legacy and Place in Sweet’s Evolution
Although not one of their biggest hits, “Done Me Wrong All Right” has remained a cult favorite among Sweet fans—particularly those who appreciate the band’s harder side. It was an important stepping stone in their transition from pop stars to genuine rock heavyweights. By the mid-1970s, Sweet had fully embraced a harder-edged glam sound, influencing future generations of bands from Def Leppard to Motley Crüe.
This track stands as a testament to the band’s frustration and ambition—proof that even in their earliest days, Sweet had the raw power, musical chops, and rebellious spirit to go beyond the confines of bubblegum pop. “Done Me Wrong All Right” might not have been a chart-topping single, but it was an early roar of defiance, one that foreshadowed the glam rock greatness that was just around the corner.